About half a dozen law firms in the British capital specialize in advising individuals facing regulatory and criminal probes, while the largest London and based law firms generally represent institutions. The increase in probes means that in a growing number of cases, the most experienced lawyers for individuals are turning traders away.

'There is an unprecedented increase in the number of individuals who need specialist legal advice', said David Corker, a defense lawyer at Corker Binning. 'The supply of such lawyers is limited because hitherto white-collar crime has been seen as largely a boutique or highly specialist area'.

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.